Trophy Chasing can kill baseball dreams

The smile says it all.... photo credit: N'Motion Photography by Heidi Wolff

Sweat drips from his face, hands are sticky, white pants stained brown from sliding in to base.  Running off the field with his head hanging low, he avoids eye contact with anyone nearby.  As he takes off his batting helmet, you don’t see a smile, you don’t hear his laughter.  What’s wrong?  I wonder...what is wrong?!  The crowd yells in the background, words of disappointment and frustration ring out from fans. 

“Come on guys, what’s wrong with you all?”

“Get your head in the game, y’all are playing terrible!”

“You’re making too many mistakes, that was really bad playing!” 

“Your base running sucks.”  

As the crowds’ temperature drops, so does that of the players; the smiles start to fade, the errors increase, and the focus is gone.  The crowd’s frustration increases, and before long, you can cut the negative energy with a knife.  The hairs on your skin start to stand up.  What in the world is going on?  Why are we losing these boys?  Why are they making so many mistakes?  Why aren’t they focused….and why aren’t they having fun (rhetorical)? 

What is your parenting style?  

Are you a parent that lifts their kid when they are down, or are you the one that kicks them?  How is your tone?  What words of encouragement do you give?  Do you gossip and blame other kids for the problems?  Do you yell?  Most importantly, how is your style being delivered, are you seemingly angry or disgusted?  At one point or another I’m sure we’re all guilty of some of the above. 

When my kid walks on the diamond, he is ready to perform.  It’s his stage, his playground.  When he goes up to bat, he’s center stage.  It’s the time when all the hard work off the field pays off.  He’s thinking of how to advance the runner, how to get on base.  He’s thinking of what the pitcher is going to throw and how to see his perfect pitch.  He’s patiently waiting for the right opportunity to paint the sky blue, to hear the crowd cheer as he runs home, stealing bases on a whim.  This is his time.  He’s waited all week for this game.  The last thing a player wants is to get million reminders from you or any other parent.  They don’t need you calling them out on an error, that is just humiliating them.  A big secret to a good batter is being relaxed at the plate.  What kind of environment are you creating to help them stay relaxed?  How’s the crowds energy? 

When blue says, “play ball”, I’m no longer his life coach.  I’m his mom.  Weather he has no errors or several errors, my tone stays the same.  I don’t give him reminders.  I don’t coach from the stands.  I definitely do not yell.  Most importantly, I’m never disappointed.  The only words that come out of my mouth are, “great job, great effort, I’m proud of you, way to go, I love watching you play!”  

Are you killing dreams?

Many parents don’t have the slightest idea what positive coaching is about.  It’s coaching from the heart.  They get so caught up in trophy chasing that these parents don’t realize they may be killing dreams.  

Reality check:  Baseball is not about trophy hunting.  Although it’s nice to win and it’s nice to get a trophy; that only gives short term gratification and every trophy eventually collects dust, it’s holds no real value.  When you get caught up in trophy hunting, you lose sight of what’s more important.  You lose sight of teaching the intangible things like: leadership, sportsmanship, learning from mistakes. It’s okay to make mistakes; they learn what doesn’t work and what not to do again. Children grow; their character development is enhanced when they: improve communication skills, manage to overcome failures, stop blaming others, and try to keep a positive mental attitude.  

Baseball is a game that keeps track of which team makes the most errors.  It goes up and down.  Yes, your kid will make them, too.  Don’t let it be a shock to you that teens may play like they are 12 years old.  Imagine that.  You have to enjoy the ride.  When you see parents getting more upset than the players, you have a real major problem.  


Stop making it about you and remember it’s about them.Trust me, your kids aren’t intentionally getting an out or overthrowing the ball.  They aren’t striking out to frustrate you.  They aren’t running their heart out to the next base so the runner in front of them can get out.    Don’t take the fun out of baseball.  Don’t ruin one of the activities that truly makes them happy. 

I bet you all know a kid who quit baseball because it was no longer fun and who lost the passion for the game.  Most of the time, poor parenting, or bad coaching had something to do with it.  It hasn’t only been a problem on our team, but this happens with teams across the country.   I had the honor of taking a coaching course at the College World Series last week.  The college coaches touched deeply on this subject (amongst other very important things I’ll cover later.)  

They talked about how parents are out of control.  

They explained that by the time they get to HS and College they treat it more like a job than a passion.  As recruiters are scouting, they are looking for kids who actually love the game.  They are reading body language, the smiles, evaluating the passion as much as the skill.  No one will take that passion away from my son.  No one will kick him when he’s down.  No one will blame him.  No one will yell at him from the stands.  No one will make him think that it’s not okay to fail.  Players feed off the crowds’ energy.  Why do you think most wins are made at home (in any sport)?  The energy and tone you set can determine the outcome of a game.  I’ve been on many Cinderella teams that came back because the energy and vibes were so good that it carried them to a win.  

High School & College coaches are making a valiant effort to train parents across the globe. 

They want to educate them on the dos and don'ts of baseball parenting/coaching.  Although it’s sad to see, poor parenting/coaching at any sport stems from ignorance.  But we can change that.  We can be the difference.  We’ve been on some super positive teams and we’ve been on the most negative team.  Trust me; the latter will make your baseball life miserable.  

When your daughter is at a dance recital, are you saying, “Point your toes, point your toes...Jennie, point your toes!!”  Absolutely not!  Baseball is the same way.  If the team isn’t smiling and having fun, then you are not doing your job.  If heads are down and smiles are gone, then you are not doing your job.  When your player grows up and is asked what was your worst memory of baseball as a kid and they say, “The ride home, or my parents yelling at me from the stands”, you did not do your job.  


People, what are you showing these kids?  
Another no-no is telling your player after he/she pitched a game that the pitching was great, but the defense failed them.  That’s wrong.  Don’t teach your players how to blame others.  You have to teach them to develop a team mentality.  Many parents and coaches make that huge mistake.  They also make the mistake by screaming at the umpires and blaming unfavorable calls on them.  The blame game is a slippery slope.  It takes a lot of reprogramming to change their mindset.  As I’ve studied coaching more, I had to reprogram my entire mindset.  I’m constantly teaching and preaching.  Let your player come to you after a loss.  Don’t rub it in and then rehash all the “mistakes” in the car.  How miserable is that?  Like Augie Gurrido (University of Texas Baseball head coach) said in the post-game speech of the World Series, “You are NOT a loser when you tried your best.”  Amen to that, godfather of baseball coaches.  You are a genius.  

My pre game speech is a little different each time, but my post game speech stays the same.  “Son, I love watching you play, you make me so proud.”  Win or lose errors or no errors, I definitely do not bring up errors after a game, much less a loss.  The result is a happy boy who is head over heels in love with baseball (or whatever sport he’s playing at the time).  He plays with passion, excitement, how could I ever take that away?  I don’t know everything, but I know right from wrong.  I understand positive and negative.  

How can you help your player?  How can you help other parents?  Here are my baseball tips to improve your parenting/coaching style.

●      Stop trophy chasing

●      Teach team unity

●      Win as a team, lose as a team

●      One or two people did not lose a game

●      Do not blame others 

●      Do not gossip about teammates or parents 

●      Do not coach from the stands 

●      Do you treat your player differently after a loss then a win

●      Model positive behavior 

●      Know your role 

●      Keep it classy 

●      Show respect 

●      Great job today, but what happened on that play… is a NO-NO. 

●      Process over outcome 

●      Master the art of losing 

●      Remove the winning/reward from the process 

●      Teach them to play without fear 

Teach your kid the game of life on and off the field.  

Be the light when the candle burns out.  Baseball is going to ensure that your player fails, fails a lot.  A whole lot.  We want to support those failures because we want players taking risks.  The more risks they take, the more they find out about themselves.  Youth is the perfect time to take them.  It’s okay to fail.  It’s okay to strikeout, overthrow or make an error.  That’s how you learn.  Our young players need your support and your love when they fall down.  Baseball offers players, parents and coaches the chance to learn how to communicate and solve problems.  Be the shelter, not the storm.  Let the coach’s coach!  Take the fear out of baseball and remember that failure takes us closer to our goals and is needed to succeed in life.  

A positive parenting approach to baseball

Ann Marie, ATX                                                                      
                                                            

“Get the results out of your head! The game doesn’t give you what you want. The game doesn’t give you what you need. It’s just there, giving you an opportunity.” - - Augie Garrido 

"The environment had a negative effect on our attitude." - Augie Garrido 
                                                                          

Baseball Tournament Survival List

This Saturday baseball starts at 7:00 am and ends at 8:00 pm for us.  We have 3 games from two teams with a few hour breaks in between.  With our select team, Austin's Finest, we play a weekend tournament in San Marcus, Texas.  This also happens to be our first Majors tournament, which is very exciting.  What does a mom pack for such a long day in the hot, Texas sun?  

Here is my baseball tournament survival list. 

• H2O & Gatorade 
• Mini ice chest 
• Sunscreen 
• Big Hat
• Extra Towels (several sizes)
• Wipes
• First Aid Kit
• Ibuprofen 
• Comfy chair 
• Bleacher chair 
• Over sized sunglasses 
• A lot of snacks and fresh cut fruit
• Small pillow (in case you need a nap)
• Umbrella 
• Headphones (I like to jam)
• Phone charger 
• Camera (make sure it's charged) 
• Hand Sanitizer 
• Sunflower seeds 
• Big League Chew bubble gun 
• Player change of clothes 

As always, come with a positive mental attitude and remember that it's baseball.  It should be fun.  Let your kids shine and don't be one of those parents that says, "don't forget this, do that, etc."  Let their hard work in practice payoff on the diamond.  Let your player live in those moments b/c they love playing.  Don't scream at the umpires, they are human and sometimes make mistakes too.  Let them know that you're proud of them no matter what the outcome is.   C'est La Vie 


                                                   What else would you add to this list?  

Kids Goal Setting Workshop

Ashton (my 12 year old)  is really getting into goal setting with his momma.  I thought that maybe I should host a workshop for him and his friends - the youth.  I may have him even help teach it.  He seems to influence his peers in a number of ways.  Kids are so innovative these days.  The future is in their hands.  This is a great way to give back.  A great way to help shape their future.    

I will be covering topics like:

• Positive attitude
• Writing your goals on paper
• Visualization 
• Speaking your dreams into existence 
• Being a positive role model 
• Making a contribution to society 
• Forming healthy habits
• Eliminating bad habits 
• Your belief system
• Checking your ego 
• Execution of the plan 

You want to be a better athlete?  You want to be a better student?  You want better habits in your son/daughter?  Of course you do!  It doesn't happen without a plan, hard work, dedication & ambition.  I'll show you how to get there.  

Would anyone be interested in attending this type of workshop?  I'd like to throw out a feeler before we put a program together.  The kids will need to be 12+ or in Middle School.  I'd need them to fully understand and grasp the information provided.

Not only will it help the children, but the parents too.  Have you ever set family goals together?  Talk about a new kind of bonding experience!

Ann Marie 

Chores are FREE

It was another cold afternoon when my phone rang.  On the other end was my son, Ashton.  He was shopping with his dad and asked, “mom, will you go half with my dad on a pair of shoes that I really want?"   This was just after Christmas and I had already purchased new shoes for him.  In addition, he has about five pair of other shoes.  I was open minded and listened as he rarely asks for things.  So when he does, I am normally happy to buy it. 

But not this time.  How much are we talking about, Ashton?  He responded, “They are $200 so your half is $100.  Haha.  “Absolutely not, you’re crazy!  I don’t even spend that on myself” was my reply.  I then hung up the phone on him.  His dad didn’t cave and just pay the remainder, but suggested that he earn the other 1/2 by washing cars, etc.  He even mentioned that Ashton should ask me to wash my car for a fee.  When his father relayed that to me, I nearly choked and said, “You’re kidding, right?  Ummm, you must not know me well as I would never pay my son to do chores.”  

Ashton overheard the conversation and came over laughing.  “See dad, I told you she wouldn’t go for it.”  He hasn’t asked me once for the money since.  I figured he could be resourceful and use his own money or earn it another way.  I guess we’ll see how bad he wants them.  

While talking to my friends, I realized many of their kids don’t have chores.  I was quite surprised by that.  I started chores with my son at a young age.  None of them were paid jobs though.  The idea behind it was to help him build discipline and responsibility.  It has helped mold his character.  I pay for clothes, food, shelter, baseball, football, basketball, karate, private lessons, band, etc.  Why, because he’s my son.  I ask him to pay me back in love.  

I’m his mother and for that reason, he will do what’s expected of him.  It seems like second nature to help your parents out.  He would never do something for me expecting something in return.  I should be able to depend on him (just like he depends on me).  We’re in this together.  I can’t do everything alone.  I tell him once to get something done.  No back talking, no questioning.  Yes ma’am.  I expect nothing less.  

I remind him often of the good life he has.  In return, he’s happy to wash my car, rake leaves, scoop poop, cut grass, etc.  He understands that he has to contribute his part.  I would never allow him to live under my roof as a lazy child.  He does the same chores I do.  We have terrific communication.  When he pays his own bills, he can make his own rules.  Until then, my rules, my way. 

Ashton has close to $1,500 of his own money saved.  He has his own bank account that he deposits the money in.  He has been saving since I could remember.  You can spend half, save half, son.  Most of the time, it’s the latter.  He gives me his money to put aside.  I no longer have to oversee it as much or give him advice on what to do with it.  

Having responsibility makes him accountable for his actions.  He’s learned discipline and structure.  He understands what decision-making means.  I do allow him to make decisions within reason.  It makes him feel powerful.  We have weekly meeting to talk about expectation and scheduling for that week.  It also shows me he can be trusted.  It shows his strength.  I’m proud of the son I’ve raised.  I’ve put a lot of effort into building certain characteristics in him.  

You’ll NEVER, I mean, NEVER not hear him show gratitude.  There are times I get up to 10 thank yous in a day.  Thank you mom for taking me to practice, thank you for dinner, thank you helping me with homework.  My reward is when someone compliments my kid’s attitude and behavior.  That’s what tells me I’m doing a good job.  

If you ask your child to do something and they a) look at you crazy b) tell you no or c) ask, “how much are you going to pay me?”, then maybe it’s time to restructure.  Kids need tough love.  

Hey, you want to earn money, be resourceful.  What ways can you earn money?  Get them to think and write a plan down.  After football season this year, he started doing his own laundry because I got tired of washing clothes all the time.  He is also old enough at 12 to do it.  Not once have I had to remind him to wash his laundry since.  He’s even done mine when I’ve been busy.  It really is a win-win situation.  

Chores have also helped him stay humble.  For a year now, I’ve been asking him if he wanted a new bat.  His answer has always been no.  What kid would turn that down?  After his birthday this past summer, he got about $500 in cash and gift cards.  The ones he thought I could use, he asked if I wanted them.  The gesture melted my heart.  Baby, how about I just hold them for you and you can buy something later?  Well, he’s only spent about 2 or 3 of them.  When I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, his reply was, “not much, I have everything I want.”  It’s that sweet little heart that motivates me to be the mom I am.  For those reasons, I’m happy to surprise him with things or make it a point to let him know that I appreciate him too.  

Don’t think it doesn’t cost me; I just do it in a different way.  My way is character building.  My Christmas gift from him this year was him detailing my car.  I swear I thought Santa was real when I drove it the next morning.  He did it without my knowledge.  Wow, he never fails to impress me.  Him taking the initiative is really starting to shine.  

I don’t want to knock you parents that don’t give your kids chores.  This is not a judgment blog.  It’s a story to show you the benefits it has had on my family.  I rarely get upset, raise my voice or asking for something twice.  It allows our relationship to grow.  It allows us to move on to bigger life lessons.  We’re always working on new ones.  We’ll never stop growing together.  We live in a low stress environment.  Besides his normal upkeeps (clean bathroom, living room, trash, bedroom, laundry), he'll be raking leaves and work on some other home projects this week.  

When I started molding him and he'd give resistance, I'd have a few things to say:

• If you tell me no, I will tell you no.
• When you say you're hungry, I will tell you to feed yourself.
• When you want a ride somewhere, I will tell you to find one.  
• When you want a favor, ask someone else.  
• I will give you love, food & shelter.  Everything else is is just a bonus.  

• I don't have to be nice to you if you're not nice to me.
• Don't take your mother for granted.  Don't take advantage of people.  Stay humble and always give before you take.  

Ashton understands there is compromise in every relationship.  He understand the importance of giving.  So whether it plays out in his positive attitude, chores, etc., he will give it his all.  

My philosophy is simple.  Wear a velvet glove over an iron fist.  More to come…

 



Ann Marie

Prision Life & Family From My Perspective - Treated like Animals

--> Are they animals?

Although I must admit that most inmates deserve, and I mean DESERVE, to be incarcerated, they are often forgotten about and treated like animals. My brother currently resides in the Segovia Prison Unit (Rio Grande Valley) where he is serving his sentence of a dreadful 4 years. Our lives have changed dramatically since then - it has affected our entire family including his two children (Mia 7 & Tristan 5).

 Since the beginning, he has shared his roller coaster ride of emotions, fears, personal break throughs and tribulations. I was hurt at first & very angry with him. I told him that if he did the crime, then suck it up & pay with time. Said he was extremely selfish! Only a selfish fool would put your family through so much. You think you're the only one suffering? Told you a million times to stay out of trouble & don't associate with those that do. Why didn’t you listen to me?  Why!?

 The family eventually got through the hurt and the anger. I told Mark that we would not accept a pity party story from him. Never sit there with a “poor me” attitude.  That is the attitude of a weak man & Mark is NOT weak. He needed to maximize his time there. He needed to find God. Walk towards the light and let the Almighty heal you. Your attitude will reflect the final outcome and it will shape your future.  What kind of man do you want to become? What kind of father do you want to be? What do you want out of life?

 I’m so happy to say almost a year later that he has reshaped his life & paved a new future for himself. He followed all our suggestions & took on more! He finished his GED – yeah!  Mark always hated school and at a young age, got involved with the wrong crowd. With not having a father present in his life, he looked to the older kids as role models. Unfortunately, they were trouble. Where were they all when it went downhill for him? Like I always say, “if you friends don’t make you a better person, dump them as they aren’t going to be your true friends”.

 He read the entire Bible! I know that sounds cliché, but God breaks you down for a reason. There was a reason why he was there and now Jesus has your undivided attention. You will not make it out that place alive, in good spirits, without him. Mark loves the Lord and says that his favorite book is Acts. Wow, he can actually talk religion, philosophy and history with me =). Mark loves to read and improved 100% on his grammar, punctuation and literacy. He has beautiful penmanship. I send him books that fill his mind with knowledge and power.

 He also is in the best shape of his life. He is completely solid and rockin’ a sick 6 pack. He devotes his time to reading, writing, working out, school & God.  Although you hear the good, you have no idea what a living hell he is going through and what he has been though. For starters, he is in a unit surrounded with murderers. He has been tested in every way possible and has to maintain his cool so he does not end up with another case while imprisoned.

His unit has no air conditioning. Can you imagine being inside the prison walls, in the Valley, with no A/C? Talk about a taste of hell! Thank you Lord for showing my bro what hell feels like. Although I hate knowing Mark is in there, I know that is what he needed during this time in his life. Mark said that the worst thoughts of prison do not even begin to describe what it is really like. 

 What really pisses me off is that recently they were in lock down. That means no calls, no baths, no exercise, nothing. Mark said that he felt as if he was dying of a heat stoke so he went to the sink to wet his face. Because he was wetting his face, he caught a case. That means they will try and add more time to his sentence. Really, wetting your face?

Talk about getting you down. The system is corrupted with crooks themselves it’s set up to destroy you, not make you a better person. He usually takes 3 baths a day b/c the heat. You have bigger issues to deal with rather then worrying about some BS case.

 Mark is scheduled to get out in spring of 2012 at the latest.  However, it is possible that he may get released earlier on the contingency of good behavior. I know that those inmates deserve to be there, but at the same time my brother is not an animal. Just remember that everyone deserves a second chance. His crime was for a whole bunch of crap in his early teen years.

 I miss my sweet brother and can’t wait until that day where he is hugging me again. Miss him so so much. God, bring him home safe. I’m so proud of him and not ashamed of his mistakes. We all make them and most even get away with them. His few years will become a small sacrifice for the new future that he will pave for himself and his family. I can’t wait to see what comes out of all that ambition and drive. I love you bro! He is a big part of my heart and I can’t imagine life without him. Thank you Lord for the strength.

 I asked him for one promise - that he would not get a tattoo in there. He has none and I’m proud of that. I didn’t want him to have anything to remember that hell hole. My exact words were, “please don’t have vato or prison all over you”. You are better than that. Don’t give into the temptations of the corrupt. 
 My next blog will feature the childhood from our eyes.  Stay tuned! 

WARNING: Do NOT rent at WaterStone Apartments in South Austin (420 W. Slaughter Ln.)

Are you looking for an apartment in South Austin?  Do you need something safe for your children, family & visitors?  Well, I’m here to tell you to stay away from WaterStone Apartments in South Austin off Slaughter Lane.  My story is to be shared with anyone in Austin looking for an apartment.  Don’t let your kid become a victim of irresponsibility.  Be a part of a community that will support you and your family!

 My son was visiting a friend there & while riding a bike, he lost control & was hit by a car.  He incurred some serious lacerations to his body.  My son will be fine & we pray for a speedy recovery.  However, when the police officer arrived, the first issue that arose was that there are no speed limit signs nor are there speed bumps.  Therefore, cars fly in & out without a care in the world. The officer witnessed first hand the speeding.  Why should a child die before something is done about this dangerous situation?

 I went to the apartment office the following day to speak with Courtney Jones, the manager.  I thought I would get some compassion & understanding about the traffic situation there (even if I wasn't a tenant there).  Wow, was I in for a huge surprise!  Talk about a completely negative, unprofessional experience.  I proceeded in a calm manner to address the speeding issues.  Before I could finish, Ms. Jones became defensive, uncooperative and rude. 

 Not once did she ask for my name, not once did she ask if my son was okay, not once did she say she will file an internal report, not once did she appear concerned the speeding issue, etc.  I felt she didn't even listen.  Here's how our conversation unfolded (in front of other prospective tenants).  She couldn't even discuss this in her office:

 Mgr Courtney Jones: The speed limit is 10mph per the resident lease.  I’m aware that there are no signs, but it’s in the lease.  It’s the duty of the residents to tell their visitors how to drive, not us.  I’m aware of the incident that happened to your son, but only because I live close to where it happened and my sister heard about it.  However, I will not file an incident report until an actual resident comes in to make a claim.  You are not a resident of this community. 

 I also won’t give you additional information about our policies as I’m not in contract with you!  I heard that your son ran into the car.  I understand that may be besides the point and I know that the residents drive fast here, but it’s their responsibility to drive safe.  A sign does not prevent an accident.  We also won’t do anything until we get complaints.  We have 25 investors that will not change the policy.  We are in compliance with the state codes.  I can’t tell you more as you are NOT A RESIDENT. 

 Now Upset Mother (me): It has now become a concern of mine, resident or not, to deal with this issue.  Not having speed signs or road bumps does not discourage residents and visitors from driving recklessly.  In fact, if the guy in the accident would've drove at 10 mph per the lease, the damage to my child would not have been as bad or could have even been prevented altogether. 

 Why should it take someone dying before action is taken?  You can sit in the lot & see for yourself how your residents do not obey the speed limit posted in the lease.  I feel it’s very irresponsible on management's part to not do something about this. You are not enforcing compliance of the leasing guidelines. 

This is not a kid friendly community, nor is it safe.  Your right, it would not prevent an accident, but it will educate the community that there indeed is a speed limit.  It could potentially save a life.  How would you feel if it was your child?  You are then telling me that you are unwilling to go above & beyond what the law requires, right because you follow the minimum state code? 

 How is a speed sign going to hurt you or this complex?  I will in fact put in writing that we spoke about this today.  It’s unfortunate that my story, concerns, questions and comments is not enough for you to file an incident report, take action or show sympathy. 

 A mother already in enough pain did not go to argue with the manager, but to make awareness as I felt they would be concerned.  Boy was I wrong.  Not only did she embarrass herself by allowing everyone to listen in on our personal conversation, but not once did she talk to the residents herself to take action on a written statement.  She was adamant about them coming to her for a write-up.  Shouldn’t she have followed up.  Hell, what if the kid dies? 

 She refused to listen or even pretend to care.  What a heartless women.  Please be warned before you give your hard earned money & invest in what you think is a safe home.  This is the character of this community.  This place is not safe for kids, or families.  Heck, your pets aren’t safe.  Don’t let your kid become the victim of a tragedy.  Vote with your pocket book!!  Also, think twice before hiring Courtney Jones as your next property manager.  I highly doubt you want someone like this representing your company.  My kid does matter Mrs. Jones! 

Ann Marie Nguyen
Mother to an amazing 10 yr old

The new hobby that I'm picking up - sewing!

My evening yesterday was a fantastic one.  I spend the evening doing a little shopping.  We started our evening off with going to Sears where we decided to go with the Kenmore 19110 Computerized Sewing Machine.  Based on the ratings, recommendations, consumer reports and moderate price, this one was perfect.  Too bad you can't customize your color!  They could have sold me two if that was the case, haha.   I love anything that makes your life a little easier.  My eyes got big when I heard that it was computerized.  Yes, some of you that sew may still be in favor of the saying, "the older, the better".  I thought about that, but honestly didn't want one.  I like gadgets. 

I didn't buy their warranty.  I hate those things unless it's at Best Buy on a camera.  That $25 warranty has actually replaced my camera 2x gratis, no questions asked.  That one is approved, but seriously $80 on a 2 year warranty just to "service" the machine once a year.  Well, that's what YouTube & "do it yourself" is for.  Overall, I don't like them!

After I left Sears, I was in the mood for the book store.  I wanted to scour the sewing section.  Ah, what new piece of material was I going to get my hands on?  Keep in mind that when I laid eyes on that sewing machine, I had never really payed attention to one before in my life.  I'm absolutely clueless about sewing and machines. 

I honestly had no idea what I was looking for.  Do I go for $40 sewing bible, pattern book or home decor one....what?  After browsing about 15 books, I realized that I was going to purchase one that I instantly fell in love with.  I needed it to jump & say buy me!!!  It occurred to me that I just couldn't wait until I started making my own wardrobe and dresses.  I love dresses and can wear them everyday in all four seasons.  I narrowed it down to 3 books.  One that called Chic & Simple Sewing.  Ooh la la, I love the word chic & love the term simple. 

I was in heaven.  There are over 20 different patterns that come in the book.  It's mostly dresses that are easy and fun.  I mean, just look at the cover.  


Skipping with my new book in hard and on the way to the register, I wondered, "um I we can find a coupon on my phone".  When I get to the counter I simply say, "ma'am, can you accept a coupon from my phone"?  She replies with, "sure, which one"?  I follow with. "a 40% off one".  She smiles and says, "great that's all I need to know, I have one right here'.  I walked out with over a $10 saving.  


Retailers are now accepting more coupons from your phone at the counter.  Hobby Lobby lets me do the same thing.  It's pretty genius on everyone's part (including me).  


After that, my hubby & I decided to share a soup & salad at Central Market.  The food was pretty rad as it usually is.  


Here is the best part:  When I got home I walked through step by step on what a bobbin is, how to use the machine, how to spin the bobbin and most importantly, how to do my first stitch.  He was simply my hero and is such a genius.  I do not have patience to read through the manuals.  Honestly hate them.  I was able to end the evening sewing my first mini pillow.  All from reading an article in bed the night before!

I didn't know I was going to take up sewing so fast...not until I fell in love with a fabric store in Dallas last weekend.  Let me tell you, when I get an idea I run with it.  


I stayed up till 2 am reading my new book.  I got to page 24 & already had learned so much.  Ahhh, can't wait till the lessons begin.  


Sincerly,


Ann Marie